Foot Anatomy: Tendons & Ligaments

Extensor Foot Tendons

In the foot diagram below, the main tendons on the top of the foot are labeled. The group of tendons are called the extensor tendons and are responsible for elevating the toes and flexing the ankle up (dorsiflexion).

A. Extensor hallucis longus: dorsi flexes the big toe and dorsiflexes the foot (pulls up the big toe and the foot).

B. Extensor digitorum longus: dorsi flexes the small toes and dorsiflexes the foot (pulls the little toes up and pulls the foot up).

Peroneal Tendons

In the foot diagram to the right, the tendons on the lateral aspect of the foot are labeled (outside of the ankle). The peroneal longus courses under the foot and attaches on the inside of the arch. The peroneal brevis tendon attaches to the styloid process (see "K" labeled in the foot bone diagrams listed avoe. The peroneal tendons are responsible for flexing the foot down and rotating the foot out.

Peroneus longus: Everts and plantar flexes the foot (rotates the foot out and down). Stabilizes the arch when walking.

Peroneus brevis: Everts and plantar flexes the foot and stabilizes the foot when walking. The brevis tendon is a more powerful everter than the peroneus longus tendon.

The image on the right shows a better view of the posterior tibial tendon. The posterior tibial tendon originates in the back of the leg and courses around the inside of the ankle to attach on the inside and bottom of the arch. The main attachment is on the navicular, a tarsal bone in the midfoot, labeled in the image on the right, but the tendon extends across the base of the foot. The posterior tibial tendon is a powerful inverter of the foot and one of the main structures which supports the arch. In individuals with faulty foot mechanics, specifically over pronation and arch collapse, the posterior tibial tendon can become stressed and torn. This results in tendonitis and posterior tibial tendinosis, also called adult acquired flatfoot.

Achilles tendon

Plantar flexes the foot (brings the foot down and assists in "push off" when walking). The Achilles tendon attaches to the calcaneus, also known as the heel bone. The Achilles is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. In individuals with tight calf muscles and those with over pronation and/or play sports which involve quick sprints or jumping, the Achilles tendon can become over stressed and torn, leading to inflammation and pain.

Plantar fascia: long ligament-type structure which supports the longitudinal arch when walking. In the image to the right there are three bands, the medial, central and lateral band. The fascia originates on the calcaneus, the heel bone and extends to insert into the bottom of the toes. The plantar fascia is one of the main structures which supports the arch (along with the posterior tibial tendon). In those with faulty foot mechanics, most commonly over pronation, the plantar fascia can become over stressed, stretched and experience microscopic tears leading to inflammation and pain. Chronic aggravation of the fascia can lead to plantar fasciosis, a degenerative condition.

Ankle Ligaments

In the ankle image to the right, the image shows the medial ankle ligaments. These ligaments give support to the inside of the ankle (medial ankle joint). There are four ligaments which make up the deltoid ligament:

In the ankle image on the right, the lateral ankle ligaments are shown. These ligaments give support to the outside of the ankle (lateral ankle joint). There are three ligaments on the lateral aspect of the ankle joint.

The posterior talofibular ligament is not visible in this diagram. The ligament sits under the peroneal tendons. It attaches to the fibula and extends to the back of the ankle and attaches to the talus. The lateral ankle ligaments are the most commonly torn in ankle sprains. More information on ankle sprains.

More information on Foot and Ankle Anatomy

Neurovascular: illustrations and images of the blood vessels and nerves in the foot.

Disclaimer: The advice on this website is not intended to substitute for a visit to your health care provider. We will not be held liable for any diagnosis made or treatment recommended. Consult your doctor if you feel you have a medical problem.